scholarly journals Mapping dietary salt/sodium reduction policies and initiatives in the Region of the Americas

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Dietary Salt

The aim of this study was to map existing country policies and initiatives addressing population dietary sodium reduction in the Region of the Americas; to identify policy gaps following what is outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) “Best Buys” most cost-effective recommendations for the prevention and control of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); and to discuss priorities for future work to reduce population salt/sodium intake. We analyzed data from 34 countries in the Region. A review of different databases informed the mapping. Databases included (1) responses from the online Survey on National Initiatives for Salt/Sodium Reduction in the Americas carried out by PAHO in 2016; (2) the databases from the 2017 and 2019 PAHO Country Capacity Surveys for NCDs and Risk Factors; and (3) the repositories of legislation of the PAHO REGULA initiative as of 2018. Research in these databases was complemented by electronic searches on official websites from the ministries of health, education, and agriculture and the library of the national congress in each country. Additionally, when available, government regulatory gazettes were reviewed. National policies that have adopted the most cost-effective interventions for preventing and controlling diet-related NCDs of WHO “Best Buys” included reformulating food products with both voluntary (n=11/34) and mandatory (n=2/34) targets; establishing a supportive environment in public institutions (n=13/34); consumer awareness programs (n=26/34) and behavior-change communication and mass media campaigns (n=(0/34); and implementing front-of-pack labeling (n=5/34). We also found that some countries have implemented regulations that restrict marketing of foods high in salt/sodium to children (n=5/34), or are using nutritional labeling that includes sodium content, either voluntary (n=9/34) or mandatory (n=10/34). However, no country in the Region has implemented taxes on high salt/sodium foods. Based on our review, we concluded that there has been a significant advance in policies to reduce sodium intake in the Region of the Americas in recent years. However, we identified that the level of implementation is quite varied and is challenging to assess. Despite the progress, there remains much work to do on this issue, especially in countries where there is limited or no action yet. Reducing sodium consumption is a cost-effective intervention that can save many lives by preventing and reducing the burden of diet-related NCDs. Therefore, a further call to action is needed for governments to accelerate efforts to meet the 2025 global target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium.

scholarly journals Mapping Dietary Sodium Reduction Policies and Initiatives in the Region of the Americas

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1714-1714
Author(s):  
Nadia Flexner ◽  
Mary L'Abbé ◽  
Barbara Legowski ◽  
Ruben Grajeda Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
World Health ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Reduce Sodium Intake ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Objectives To map existing country policies addressing population dietary sodium reduction in the Americas; to identify policy gaps in the region following what is outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) “Best Buys” most cost-effective recommendations for the prevention and control of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); and to discuss priorities for future work in the Region. Methods This study used mixed methods to analyze data from 34 countries. Data were collected through a structured review, of mostly national official sources, to identify current policies in place to reduce population sodium intake. Also, responses from the last Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) online Survey on National Initiatives for Sodium Reduction in the Americas were included. Finally, country profiles were prepared and sent to each country's Public Health Agency for validation and comments. Results Almost all countries (n = 23/34) had a recommendation to reduce salt intake included in policies related to NCDs. Only six countries had specific and comprehensive policies to reduce sodium intake, and only one of them was a National Law. Adoption of the WHO “Best Buys” in national policies included: reformulation of food products with voluntary (n = 9/34) and mandatory targets (n = 2/34); establishment of a supportive environment in public institutions (n = 14/34); and implementation of front-of-pack labelling (n = 5/34). Some countries have implemented regulations restricting marketing of foods high in sodium to children (n = 5/34); nutritional labelling that includes sodium content, either voluntary (n = 9/34) or mandatory (n = 10/34); and no country has yet implemented taxes on high sodium foods. Conclusions In recent years, there has been a significant advance in policies to reduce sodium intake in the Region of the Americas. However, this review identified that the level of implementation in practice is complex to assess and quite heterogeneous. Reducing sodium consumption is a cost-effective intervention that can save many lives, by preventing and reducing the burden of diet related NCD's. Therefore, a further call to action is needed for governments to accelerate efforts in order to meet the 2025 global target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium. Funding Sources Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

scholarly journals Sodium Levels in Packaged Foods Sold in 14 Latin American and Caribbean Countries: A Food Label Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 369 ◽  
Author(s):  
JoAnne Arcand ◽  
Adriana Blanco-Metzler ◽  
Karla Benavides Aguilar ◽  
Mary L’Abbe ◽  
Branka Legetic
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Latin American And Caribbean

Population-wide sodium reduction is a cost-effective approach to address the adverse health effects associated with excess sodium consumption. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries consume excess dietary sodium. Packaged foods are a major contributor to sodium intake and a target for sodium reduction interventions. This study examined sodium levels in 12 categories of packaged foods sold in 14 LAC (n = 16,357). Mean sodium levels and percentiles were examined. Sodium levels were compared to regional sodium reduction targets. In this baseline analysis, 82% of foods met the regional target and 47% met the lower target. The greatest proportion of products meeting the regional target were uncooked pasta and noodles (98%), flavored cookies/crackers (97%), seasonings for sides/main dishes (96%), mayonnaise (94%), and cured/preserved meats (91%). A large proportion of foods met the lower target among uncooked pasta and noodles (88%), cooked pasta and noodles (88%), and meat/fish seasonings (88%). The highest the highest median sodium levels were among condiments (7778 mg/100 g), processed meats (870 mg/100 g), mayonnaise (755 mg/100 g), bread products (458 mg/100 g), cheese (643 mg/100 g), and snack foods (625 mg/100 g). These baseline data suggest that sodium reduction targets may need to be more stringent to enable effective lowering of sodium intake.

Abstract 02: Population Strategies to Decrease Sodium Intake: A Global Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Webb ◽  
Saman Fahimi ◽  
Gitanjali M Singh ◽  
Shahab Khatibzadeh ◽  
Renata Micha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Gdp Per Capita ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
National Education ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Global Cost ◽  
Per Capita

Background: Excess sodium intake is a major risk factor for CVD globally. Yet, the cost-effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce sodium consumption in every country has not been quantified. Methods: We characterized global sodium intakes, blood pressure (BP) levels, effects of sodium on BP, and CVD rates, each by age and sex in 187 countries based on the 2010 Global Burden of Diseases study. Nation-specific costs of a policy that combined education with targeted industry agreements to reduce sodium were estimated using the WHO NCD Costing Tool. Nation-specific impacts on mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were modeled using comparative risk assessment, based on various scenarios including 10%, 30%, 1 g/d, and 3 g/d achieved sodium reductions over 10 yrs. Cost-effectiveness (CE) was evaluated as PPP-adjusted international $ per DALY saved over 10 yrs. Results: Worldwide, a 10% sodium reduction within each country was projected to avert an average of 5,655,000 CVD-related DALYs/year, at an average cost of 1.11 international dollars per capita over the 10 yr intervention. The average CE ratio was I$207/DALY. Across 21 world regions, sodium reduction would be most CE in South Asia and East/Southeast Asia (each I$120/DALY); across 187 countries, the most CE were Moldova (I$9.89/DALY), Azerbaijan (I$12.82/DALY), and Uzbekistan (I$12.85/DALY). The least CE region was Australia/New Zealand (I$922/DALY), although this CE was still substantially below the usual threshold to define an intervention as CE (3.0 GDP per capita). 99% of the world's population live in countries in which the intervention had a CE ratio < 1.0 GDP per capita, and 95% in countries with a CE ratio < 0.1 GDP per capita - far below standard acceptable CE ratios of 3.0 GDP per capita. Conclusions: National education and industry-agreement strategies to reduce dietary sodium would have substantial impacts on CVD and be extremely cost-effective in nearly every country worldwide. CE of 10% reduction intervention: GDP/capita per DALY

scholarly journals Assessment of Sodium and Potassium Intakes in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years by 24 h Urinary Excretion in City of Rabat, Morocco

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naima Saeid ◽  
Mohammed Elmzibri ◽  
Abdeslam Hamrani ◽  
Qandoussi Latifa ◽  
Hakim Belghiti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Its Region ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
High Sodium ◽  
High Level ◽  
Sodium And Potassium

Background. The incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has greatly increased, mainly due to high level of dietary sodium. Thus, reduction of sodium intake in population has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce NCDs. The aim of this study was to estimate sodium and potassium consumption in a sample of Moroccan children as a baseline study to implement national strategy for salt intake reduction. Methods. The study was conducted on 131 children aged 6–18 years recruited from Rabat and its region. Sodium excretion and potassium excretion were measured on 24 h urinary collection, and the creatinine excretion was used to validate completeness of urine collections. Results. The average of urinary sodium was 2235.3 ± 823.2 mg/day, and 50% of children consume more than 2 g/d of sodium (equivalent to 5 g/day of salt), recommended by the WHO. However, daily urinary excretion of potassium was 1431 ± 636.5 mg/day, and 75% of children consume less than adequate intake. Sodium consumption increased significantly with age. Of particular interest, 46.7% of children aged 6–8 years and 49.3% of children aged 9–13 years consume more than the corresponding upper limits. Conclusions. Children have high sodium and low potassium status. There is evidence of the urgent need to implement a strategy for reduction of dietary sodium intake in Morocco.

scholarly journals Knowledge, perception, and practice related to sodium intake among Malaysian adults: findings from the Malaysian Community Salt Study (MyCoSS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siew Man Cheong ◽  
Rashidah Ambak ◽  
Fatimah Othman ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
Ruhaya Salleh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Complex Sample ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Excessive intake of sodium is a major public health concern. Information on knowledge, perception, and practice (KPP) related to sodium intake in Malaysia is important for the development of an effective salt reduction strategy. This study aimed to investigate the KPP related to sodium intake among Malaysian adults and to determine associations between KPP and dietary sodium intake. Methods Data were obtained from Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS) which is a nationally representative survey with proportionate stratified cluster sampling design. A pre-tested face-to-face questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic background, and questions from the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization were adapted to assess the KPP related to sodium intake. Dietary sodium intake was determined using single 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Respondents were categorized into two categories: normal dietary sodium intake (< 2000 mg) and excessive dietary sodium intake (≥ 2000 mg). Out of 1440 respondents that were selected to participate, 1047 respondents completed the questionnaire and 798 of them provided valid urine samples. Factors associated with excessive dietary sodium intake were analyzed using complex sample logistic regression analysis. Results Majority of the respondents knew that excessive sodium intake could cause health problems (86.2%) and more than half of them (61.8%) perceived that they consume just the right amount of sodium. Overall, complex sample logistic regression analysis revealed that excessive dietary sodium intake was not significantly associated with KPP related to sodium intake among respondents (P > 0.05). Conclusion The absence of significant associations between KPP and excessive dietary sodium intake suggests that salt reduction strategies should focus on sodium reduction education includes measuring actual dietary sodium intake and educating the public about the source of sodium. In addition, the relationship between the authority and food industry in food reformulation needs to be strengthened for effective dietary sodium reduction in Malaysia.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Blood Pressure Effects of Sodium Reduction

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (16) ◽  
pp. 1542-1567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Filippini ◽  
Marcella Malavolti ◽  
Paul K. Whelton ◽  
Androniki Naska ◽  
Nicola Orsini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Sodium Reduction

Background: The relationship between dietary sodium intake and blood pressure (BP) has been tested in clinical trials and nonexperimental human studies, indicating a direct association. The exact shape of the dose–response relationship has been difficult to assess in clinical trials because of the lack of random-effects dose–response statistical models that can include 2-arm comparisons. Methods: After performing a comprehensive literature search for experimental studies that investigated the BP effects of changes in dietary sodium intake, we conducted a dose–response meta-analysis using the new 1-stage cubic spline mixed-effects model. We included trials with at least 4 weeks of follow-up; 24-hour urinary sodium excretion measurements; sodium manipulation through dietary change or supplementation, or both; and measurements of systolic and diastolic BP at the beginning and end of treatment. Results: We identified 85 eligible trials with sodium intake ranging from 0.4 to 7.6 g/d and follow-up from 4 weeks to 36 months. The trials were conducted in participants with hypertension (n=65), without hypertension (n=11), or a combination (n=9). Overall, the pooled data were compatible with an approximately linear relationship between achieved sodium intake and mean systolic as well as diastolic BP, with no indication of a flattening of the curve at either the lowest or highest levels of sodium exposure. Results were similar for participants with or without hypertension, but the former group showed a steeper decrease in BP after sodium reduction. Intervention duration (≥12 weeks versus 4 to 11 weeks), type of study design (parallel or crossover), use of antihypertensive medication, and participants’ sex had little influence on the BP effects of sodium reduction. Additional analyses based on the BP effect of difference in sodium exposure between study arms at the end of the trial confirmed the results on the basis of achieved sodium intake. Conclusions: In this dose–response analysis of sodium reduction in clinical trials, we identified an approximately linear relationship between sodium intake and reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP across the entire range of dietary sodium exposure. Although this occurred independently of baseline BP, the effect of sodium reduction on level of BP was more pronounced in participants with a higher BP level.

scholarly journals Sodium Intake and Hypertension

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grillo ◽  
Salvi ◽  
Coruzzi ◽  
Salvi ◽  
Parati
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Dietary Salt ◽  
High Sodium ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
And Function ◽  
Modest Reduction

The close relationship between hypertension and dietary sodium intake is widely recognized and supported by several studies. A reduction in dietary sodium not only decreases the blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension, but is also associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged modest reduction in salt intake induces a relevant fall in blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals, irrespective of sex and ethnic group, with larger falls in systolic blood pressure for larger reductions in dietary salt. The high sodium intake and the increase in blood pressure levels are related to water retention, increase in systemic peripheral resistance, alterations in the endothelial function, changes in the structure and function of large elastic arteries, modification in sympathetic activity, and in the autonomic neuronal modulation of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we have focused on the effects of sodium intake on vascular hemodynamics and their implication in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

scholarly journals Meeting the Global NCD Target of at Least 10% Relative Reduction in the Harmful Use of Alcohol: Is the WHO European Region on Track?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Probst ◽  
Jakob Manthey ◽  
Maria Neufeld ◽  
Jürgen Rehm ◽  
João Breda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽  
World Health ◽  
European Region ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Harmful Use ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Harmful Use Of Alcohol

Background: The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases set the target of an “at least 10% relative reduction in the harmful use of alcohol, as appropriate, within the national context”. This study investigated progress in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region towards this target based on two indicators: (a) alcohol per capita consumption (APC) and (b) the age-standardized prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED). Methods: Alcohol exposure data for the years 2010–2017 were based on country-validated data and statistical models. Results: Between 2010 and 2017, the reduction target for APC has been met with a decline by −12.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) −17.2, −7.0%) in the region. This progress differed greatly across the region with no decline for the EU-28 grouping (−2.4%; 95% CI −12.0, 7.8%) but large declines for the Eastern WHO EUR grouping (−26.2%; 95% CI −42.2, −8.1%). Little to no progress was made concerning HED, with an overall change of −1.7% (−13.7% to 10.2%) in the WHO European Region. Conclusions: The findings indicate a divergence in alcohol consumption reduction in Europe, with substantial progress in the Eastern part of the region and very modest or no progress in EU countries.

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